Alstom to supply GRT turbine to biomass project in Ireland

France-based Alstom has announced it signed a contract with Denmark-based Durmeister & Wain Scandinavian Contractor A/S to design and supply an 18 megawatt (MW) geared reaction steam turbine (GRT) for a 15.8 MW biomass-fired combined-heat-and-power (CHP) plant under development by Evermore Renewable Energy in Northern Ireland. BWSC was awarded the contract to construct the facility in July.

According to Alstom, the GRT turbine is optimized for efficient and flexible power production using a variety of fuel types. The company also notes it features a flexible modular concept and plug-and-play package to reduce installation time. The turbine is pre-assembled at the factory prior to shipment, which reduces installation costs and commissioning time.

“The GRT utilizes the latest Alstom technologies in blade designs to give the best performance, thus giving the perfect solution for any sub-60 MW biomass project where total plant efficiency is of the highest importance,” said Daniel Wahler, vice president for industrial steam turbines for Alstom.

In late July, the Foresight Group and U.K. Green Investment Bank plc announced an investment of £20 million in the Evermore Renewable Energy plant. The project, which is expected to become operational in 2015, is forecast to be the largest renewable energy project in Northern Ireland. Once fully operational, it will consume an estimated 110,000 metric tons of wood biomass per year, which is being supplied under a long-term contract with Stobart Biomass.